patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij 
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: advowson
2
: the support or influence of a patron
the patronage of science by universities
3
: kindness done with an air of superiority
The prince deigned to bestow his patronage on the composer.
4
: business or activity provided by patrons
the new branch library is expected to have a heavy patronage
5
a
: the power to make appointments to government jobs especially for political advantage
… oust his enemies from office and use the patronage to support his policies …—
H. K. Beale
H. K. Beale
b
: the distribution of jobs on the basis of patronage
The governor filled the vacated positions through patronage.
c
: jobs distributed by patronage
the government's vast network of patronage
Examples of patronage in a Sentence
The college relied on the patronage of its wealthy graduates to expand its funds.
They thanked her for her patronage of the new hospital.
The city should do more to encourage patronage of local businesses.
a system of political patronage
Recent Examples on the Web
Though Guelleh has presided over economic growth during his time as president, economic benefits have not fully trickled down, and much of the population remains mired in poverty; this economic inequality is due in part to corruption and patronage.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Apr. 2026
For more than two decades, the socialist revolution launched by Hugo Chávez appeared to have permanently reshaped Venezuela, creating a ruling system sustained by patronage, military loyalty and international alliances that seemed built to outlast any single leader.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
And unlike institutions whose credibility has become a casualty of the current moment, most business leaders have earned public respect through careers visibly built on performance instead of patronage.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
That order has long been defined by power-sharing among entrenched elites, as well as a system widely criticized for enabling corruption, patronage and institutional paralysis.
—Jasmin Lilian Diab, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronage
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Apr. 2026
For more than two decades, the socialist revolution launched by Hugo Chávez appeared to have permanently reshaped Venezuela, creating a ruling system sustained by patronage, military loyalty and international alliances that seemed built to outlast any single leader.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
And unlike institutions whose credibility has become a casualty of the current moment, most business leaders have earned public respect through careers visibly built on performance instead of patronage.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
That order has long been defined by power-sharing among entrenched elites, as well as a system widely criticized for enabling corruption, patronage and institutional paralysis.
—Jasmin Lilian Diab, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for patronage
Cite this Entry
“Patronage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patronage. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
patronage
noun
pa·tron·age
ˈpa-trə-nij
ˈpā-
ˈpā-
1
: the support or influence of a patron
2
: business or activity provided by patrons
3
: the power to give out government jobs, contracts, or favors
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